In Aug. 26, 2023, after Franklin Graham had given the invitation and was about to say goodbye to the more than 10,000 gathered at the Excel Center for the God Loves You Tour London, he looked out into the audience and asked: “Should we come back again next year?” 

“The crowd gave a strong ovation,” says Festival Director Scott Lenning. They had just watched hundreds of their friends and family receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and they were ready for more. The Tour had been at the London Excel Center the previous year, where more than 7,500 attended, and hundreds received Christ. If a third event meant more people coming to Christ, the crowd was certainly up for it—and so was Franklin, even if it meant going back to the same place for a third time.

“Franklin has a burden for London and the U.K.,” said Viktor Hamm, BGEA’s vice president of Crusades. “Paul the apostle visited Galatia every time on his three missionary journeys.”

As it turned out, due to scheduling conflicts, the Tour wasn’t able to go to London in 2024, but it’s returning for its third visit to the Excel Center on June 21. And the churches have picked right up from where they left off in 2023, with over 1,300 joining the effort—more than in 2022 or 2023. 

And as the event draws near, there’s a sense of urgency. 

“The return visit of Franklin Graham is highly timely,” said Wes Richards, senior pastor of King’s Church International in Windsor and London. “Right now, there is considerable concern even amongst many outside of the church for the Christian identity of the U.K. to be preserved and promoted. Within the church we see that this is a new day of opportunity to clearly proclaim the simple Gospel, which is what the God Loves You Tour is all about.” 

A recent Bible Society UK survey supports the sense that it’s a “new day” for evangelism. The study, called The Quiet Revival Survey, says the church in England and Wales is growing.

Attendance has risen by 50% over the last six years, the survey found, with the most dramatic growth being among young adults, particularly young men. 

“That has really encouraged and excited the churches,” Lenning said. “There’s nothing in the survey that points to the God Loves You Tours, but I hope we are a part of that. It certainly includes the window of time that we’ve been here, so I hope we’re part of the nudge.” 

The survey points to the fact that only God can solve the issues of loss, loneliness and sin.

All of the things people have attempted to do to bring them peace and happiness have not worked, Lenning says. “Things like social relationships, careers, financial success, entertainment; none of those can fill the gaps to make them happy, so many are turning to Christ through the church. So we see the church is becoming stronger in the midst of social issues.”

Christians are praying and preparing for the Tour event with a spirit of expectation. Throughout May, the prayer team prayed one hour nightly and in June added 15-minute daily prayers starting at 3:16—a nod to John 3:16, which so clearly presents the Gospel. The Christian Life and Witness Course (CLWC) is underway, with classes scheduled at 102 locations and more than 3,000 enrolled. Pursuit of Worship, the youth version of the CLWC, is being held in 12 locations, and 210 buses have been requested. 

“We are increasing the seating for the June 21 event by about 25% compared to 2023,” Lenning said. “It’s a faith move. But we sense there is a buzz about the Tour, and we don’t want people to get there and not be able to get in.” 

Lenning’s excitement is buoyed by what happened on March 15, when hundreds attended 17 different events—a combination of I Am Andrew Prayer Rallies and Christian Life and Witness classes.

“I cannot ever remember 17 events taking place on one day in preparation for one Tour event,” he said. 

BGEA is grateful to participate in what God is doing in the U.K., Hamm said.  

“Many churches are faithfully continuing to preach the Gospel, and we want to stand with them as partners in the Gospel. Before the God Loves You Tour event, we are holding a Preach the Word Conference in London to encourage pastors to preach the Gospel boldly. There is a growing trend among young people in the U.K. toward faith in Christ. This is harvest time, and God is sending us out as laborers into His harvest.”

Franklin’s question at the end of the 2023 God Loves You Tour may have seemed spur-of-the-moment, but it shows his commitment to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in London.  

“It is just his heart for the city,” Lenning said. “Franklin has called London the capital of capitals, and I think he understands that if you can impact London, you have a chance to impact the world.” ©2025 BGEA